More than two dozen people have been indicted on drug-related charges as part of a yearslong investigation into a gang in Philadelphia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Friday.
According to the indictment, cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin were sold in the Kensington area, described as “one of the most prolific drug blocks in the city,” from January 2016 to October 2025.
The charges come amid President Donald Trump’s efforts to scale up federal law enforcement operations across the United States to crack down on crime, even as rates have declined in recent years in cities including Philadelphia.
“We have permanently removed a drug trafficking organization out of the streets of Philadelphia, and they’re going to stop pouring guns and chemicals and drugs into our communities,” said FBI Director Kash Patel at a news conference Friday. He highlighted the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies.
A total of 33 individuals were charged with 41 counts related to drug distribution. The indictment states that the group maintained control of the area through violence and threats against rival gangs.
“This takedown is how you safeguard America from coast to coast,” Patel added.
However, some of President Trump’s efforts to mobilize federal law enforcement have faced criticism. National guard troops and armed federal agents have patrolled city streets, conducted sweeping immigration enforcement, and, at times, used violent tactics against protesters.
The main area where the gang operated was essentially “owned” by Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, 45, known as “Flaco,” according to the indictment. Other members paid him “rent” to sell drugs in the area.
More than 20 people were arrested on Friday. Members had assigned shifts and clearly defined roles, which included setting up schedules around the clock for the block, managing money, monitoring police activity, resupplying drugs, and carrying out violence against rival gangs.
“For too long, the Weymouth Street drug trafficking organization flooded the streets of Kensington with drugs and terrorized residents with horrific acts of violence and intimidation,” said Wayne Jacobs, special agent in charge of the Philadelphia FBI. “That ended today.”
Stay informed and connected — subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW! [Click Here]
—
**Community Guidelines**
– **Keep it Clean:** Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist, or sexually-oriented language.
– **PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.**
– **Don’t Threaten:** Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
– **Be Truthful:** Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
– **Be Nice:** No racism, sexism, or any form of -ism that degrades others.
– **Be Proactive:** Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to notify us of abusive posts.
– **Share with Us:** We welcome eyewitness accounts and stories behind articles.
—
**Spotlight: Misty Copeland**
Misty Copeland broke barriers as the first Black female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. Now, through her nonprofit, she’s making dance more accessible for children of color.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/fbi-indicts-dozens-of-people-in-philadelphia-on-drug-charges/article_9d0491ef-7c55-468d-95ff-762c807f8c5d.html